For many students, the biggest barrier to college is the cost. But it doesn’t have to be, according to a video broadcast earlier this month on PBS member station WEDU in Tampa.
The segment was featured on WEDU Quest, a monthly series that captures the latest breakthroughs in science, technology and education. Included in the program were the stories of current college students as well as insight from Troy Miller, Florida CAN’s Associate Director for Research and Policy.
The students, currently attending the University of South Florida and Florida State University, talked about how they financed college using grants, scholarships, work-study and other forms of aid.
Miller brought attention to the fact that not all Florida students take advantage of the financial aid resources available to them, especially those through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“We found that high school graduates leave behind about $100 million in Pell Grants by virtue of not completing the form,” said Miller.
Watch the program here to learn about the financial aid process and hear Florida college students discuss how they overcame financial obstacles to pursue a postsecondary education.
WEDU Quest is sponsored by the Helios Education Foundation. To view more episodes from WEDU Quest, click here.